Coachbuilt Whisky, co-founded by Formula 1 champion Jenson Button, has teamed up with Williams Racing to introduce a special 18-Year-Old Blended Scotch Whisky. This limited-edition release marks the start of a series of whiskies celebrating the rich heritage of Williams Racing and Button's illustrious career.
Image credit: Coachbuilt Whisky
A Unique Collaboration
The collaboration between Coachbuilt Whisky and Williams Racing is a marriage of precision engineering and masterful whisky blending. Jenson Button, who has always been passionate about both racing and Scotch whisky, sees this release as a dream come true. He expressed his excitement, saying, "Racing fans and Scotch collectors have a lot to be excited about, as we bring forward some truly unique whiskies – all beautifully blended to create a smooth and well-balanced sipping experience.”
The Whisky
The inaugural release is an 18-Year-Old Blended Scotch Whisky, bottled at 48% ABV. It has been aged in a mix of ex-Sherry and ex-Bourbon casks. Coachbuilt is known for its distinctive approach to blending, sourcing whisky from all five whisky-producing regions of Scotland: Speyside, Highland, Islay, Campbeltown, and the Lowlands. This blend is 100% malted barley, crafted by George Koutsakis, Coachbuilt's co-founder.
The whisky presents a complex flavor profile. On the nose, it offers hints of orchard fruits and winter spices. The palate is treated to notes of vanilla, dark chocolate, and cinnamon, leading to a long, smooth, and rich finish. It is recommended to enjoy the whisky neat or on the rocks.
The Packaging
The whisky is housed in a commemorative bottle that pays tribute to one of Williams Racing's most iconic cars, the FW18. This car was highly successful and symbolizes an era of racing excellence. The bottle's design reflects the spirit of this car, making it a collector's item for racing fans.
Limited Availability
Only 3,000 bottles of this 18-Year-Old Blended Scotch Whisky will be released globally. The whisky is priced at £230 for a 700ml bottle and is available for pre-order at www.masterofmalt.com. It will hit select fine spirits retailers across the UK starting in August.
Looking Ahead
This partnership between Coachbuilt and Williams Racing is just the beginning. The two brands plan to release more limited-edition whiskies that celebrate significant moments in Williams Racing’s history and Jenson Button’s career. Button’s relationship with Williams Racing dates back to 2000, when the team gave him his breakthrough opportunity in Formula 1.
Image credit: Coachbuilt Whisky
In addition to the limited-edition releases, the core Coachbuilt edition will be available for Williams Racing guests in the paddock, further cementing the relationship between these two iconic brands.
Jenson Button: From Racing Champion to Whisky Entrepreneur
Jenson Button's journey from a young racing enthusiast to a Formula 1 champion and now a whisky entrepreneur is nothing short of inspiring. Button’s early life was marked by financial struggles, but his talent on the track was undeniable. At 17, he became the youngest driver to win the European Formula Super A Championship. Despite a rocky start to his Formula 1 career, marked by a lavish lifestyle and inconsistent performances, Button turned things around. He finished third in the 2004 Formula 1 World Championship and won the 2006 Hungarian Grand Prix.
Button’s career peaked in 2009 when he won six of the first seven races of the season and claimed the Constructors’ Championship. After retiring from Formula 1 in 2016, Button ventured into the world of whisky, launching Coachbuilt in March 2022.
Conclusion
The collaboration between Coachbuilt Whisky and Williams Racing is a celebration of excellence in both racing and whisky craftsmanship. With its first release, the 18-Year-Old Blended Scotch Whisky, this partnership promises to bring forth a series of unique and collectible whiskies that honor the legacies of both Williams Racing and Jenson Button.
About Coachbuilt Whiskey
Coachbuilt Whiskey is a unique and distinctive brand that blends the worlds of automotive design and whiskey craftsmanship. Founded on the idea of celebrating the artistry and craftsmanship found in both fields, Coachbuilt Whiskey pays homage to the classic era of coachbuilding, where custom-made automobiles were crafted with meticulous attention to detail.
The concept behind Coachbuilt Whiskey revolves around creating a whiskey that embodies the same principles of precision, quality, and bespoke craftsmanship that defined the golden age of coachbuilding. This includes using carefully selected grains, precise fermentation techniques, and expert distillation methods to ensure a superior product.
In addition to its commitment to quality in production, Coachbuilt Whiskey often incorporates storytelling and aesthetic elements that draw inspiration from automotive design. This may include unique packaging, bottle designs reminiscent of classic car shapes or detailing, and marketing that highlights the parallels between the art of whiskey making and the art of coachbuilding.
The result is a whiskey that not only aims to deliver a memorable drinking experience but also appeals to enthusiasts of both fine spirits and classic automobiles. By blending these two passions, Coachbuilt Whiskey has carved out a niche in the market, offering a product that speaks to craftsmanship, heritage, and a reverence for timeless design principles.
